Leeds United face uphill battle in quest to appoint Dolan

Leon Wobschall

LEEDS UNITED face an uphill battle in their quest to appoint Eamonn Dolan as head coach, with Reading’s prospective new owner expected to offer him a new deal.

An unnamed Thai investor is believed to be close to acquiring the Berkshire club, who have been attempting to find a new buyer since last October with their majority shareholder Anton Zingarevich standing down from the Royals board earlier this month.

Last week, Reading issued a hands-off warning to Leeds regarding Dolan following an enquiry from United owner Massimo Cellino, now back in the UK after completing the sale of Cagliari.

Dolan, 46, is the twin brother of Pat Dolan, the agent of former United boss Brian McDermott who helped to negotiate his severance with Leeds.

He is believed to be contracted at Reading until 2017, but it now appears likely that he will be offered fresh terms by the Royals, whose advisors Begbies Traynor and Vibrac have agreed an exclusivity arrangement with the Thai individual.

A deal to purchase the club could be finalised within a week.

Former Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday remains the short-priced bookies favourite to become the new head coach at United.

Cellino had also gone on record to state that he wants Nigel Gibbs – United’s assistant manager under McDermott – to remain with the club next season and play a role within the coaching staff, but his future remains unclear.